Chopin Nocturne

Question 1

A - Bar 1

Answer 1

Left hand triplet arpeggio on the tonic triad of E minor, with two C appoggiaturas

Question 2

A - Bar 2 - 9

Answer 2

Harmony supporting this melody is rich and full, using a wide range of notes and typical Romantic chords
Modulation to B minor via pivot chord and use of dim7 to add colour and warmth

Question 3

A - Different from main theme - Bar 10 - 18

Answer 3

Dynamic marking of mf instead of p
Theme begins with octaves in the melody
Dotted quaver/semiquaver rhythm of bar 3 is replaced in bar 11
Quavers in bar 4 are replaced with triplet in bar 12
Two crotchets of bar 7 are used in diminution in bar 15 and this is extended into bars 16-17

Question 4

A - Bars 18 - 22

Answer 4

Middle of b18 there is a quiet interlude for four bars in preparation for theme B
Key remains B minor until the intro of D sharp in bar 22, settling the key of B major for theme B

Question 5

B - Bars 23 - 30

Answer 5

7th bar phrase length
Left hand triplets continue
Tonic pedal

Question 6

A - ii - Bars 31 - 38

Answer 6

Theme A returns, but heavily decorated with ornaments (acciatura, mordents, slides, trills) and irregular groupings (6, 8 10, 11)
Underlying chord patterns remain the same, still played in quaver triplets

Question 7

A - ii - Bars 39 - 42

Answer 7

Very similar to bars 10 - 13 but louder and more intense, forming a climax of the piece
Theme starts in octaves, is markd forte and tone is more assertive
Bar 41 has more fuller chords and more triplet movement than bar 12

Question 8

Link - Bars 43 - 46

Answer 8

Mood quietens
Melody simpler
Slower moving half notes and eighth notes
Modulation to E major
B7 pivot chord, used as V7-I perfect cdence with Tierce de Picardie to E major

Question 9

B - ii - Bars 47 - 54

Answer 9

Now in E major

Lighter and much more gentle

Question 10

Codetta Bars 55 -58

Answer 10

Pianissimo perfect cadence in E major with calando (dying away) indication